Review of “The Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress in Women After Psychological Intimate Partner Violence » Summary This study provides a comparison between forgiveness therapy and alternative treatments. Among women who have been exposed to psychological intimate partner violence, Reed and Enright (2006) assert that clients will obtain greater relief from negative psychological symptoms in long-term recovery through the use of counseling therapy. forgiveness as a replacement for previously used alternative treatments. According to Enright, “theoretical and empirical literature on the effective treatment of psychological intimate partner violence after a relationship or crisis is scarce” (2006, p. 920), suggesting the need for more empirical studies. Reed and Enright (2006) refer to various empirical studies that demonstrate this phenomenon. Effectiveness of forgiveness therapy in relation to incest and drug treatment. With this study, the intention is to move to the treatment of psychological spousal violence. The sample consisted of 20 women victims of psychological violence (aged 32 to 54 years) aged at least two years. separated from their attacker. The goal was to avoid any “false forgiveness” or empathy leading to the woman’s reunification with her attacker (Reed & Enright, 2006, p. 922). The researchers also took into account some of the variables that might have skewed the results, such as removal of subjects who are currently in an emotionally abusive relationship or if the woman was physically abused as a child. Women were selected via various measures during a pretest and posttest. After the pre-test, the experimental group received one-hour individual therapy sessions using Enright's forgiveness process model. The control group received treatment based on...... middle of paper ......e. Christ offered forgiveness to those who crucified him, as shown in Luke 23:34. He has shown that he forgives those who harm us. In Ephesians 4:31-32 we are also reminded not to hold on to these negative emotions, but rather to be kind and forgiving one another, just as Christ has forgiven us. These verses validate forgiveness therapy. Therefore, whether in secular or non-secular counseling, we can use the evidence for forgiveness therapy. To guide us toward releasing negative emotions that keep us from a place of peace or prevent us from being more like Christ. Works CitedReed, GL and Enright, RD (2006). The effects of forgiveness therapy on depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress in women victims of psychological intimate partner violence. Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 74(5), 920-929. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.74.5.920